1. Best tablets for CIOs: Dell XPS 12

The Dell XPS 12 offers a 12-5–inch screen, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage and has a functional keyboard great for carrying out business tasks.

While the tablet is affordable it does have a low battery life but should not be overlooked with its great screen display, while also supporting Dell’s Active Stylus for digital inking.

2. Best tablets for CIOs: iPad Pro

Earlier this year Apple was expected to announce the launch of the new iPad Air 3, instead the company introduced another iPad Pro, this time a 9.7-inch Pro. The original iPad Pro is 12.9 inches, so depending on your size preference the 9.7in version could be a great option. This iPad Pro comes in 32GB, 128GB and 256GB and a range of colours (silver, gold, space grey and rose gold). In terms of specifications, it is the same as its bigger brother (the original iPad Pro) but boast a better screen with wide colour display.

Depending on your usage, those using it for writing documents might want to opt for the 12.9 inch model as while the 9.7 inch does come with a detachable keyboard, it can feel a little cramped.

3. Best tablets for CIOs: Lenovo ThinkPad x1 Tablet

The Lenovo ThinkPad x1 Tablet has a slick design, is reasonably affordable and is lightweight, great for personal use and web browsing.

This tablet has an average battery life compared with similar products but does offer great performance and display. What’s more, boasting USB 3.0, USB-C, and microSD slot is great for connecting devices and additional storage.

4. Best tablets for CIOs: Sony Xperia Z4

This powerful tablet offers 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor. The Sony Xperia comes with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and others such as AVG Protection, Garmin Navigation, Vine and Kobo Books pre-installed.

This tablet really is a worthy iPad rival, and with excellent hardware, performance and software it should be top of the pile for business users.

5. Best tablets for CIOs#: Getac RX10

Getac RX10 is a pricey tablet compared to others on the market but is a powerhouse boasting great screen display and mobile performance.

The rugged design does have a limited battery life but offers users a touchscreen display, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. What’s more, the design is lightweight, great for portability and carrying out business tasks.

6. Best tablets for CIOs: Samsung Galaxy TabPro S

Announced at CES 2016, the Samsung TabPro S runs Windows 10 rather than Android making it a big contender for the enterprise user.

This tablet comes with a detachable keyboard and differs from rivals such as the iPad Pro as its keyboard has a built-in trackpad which for some will mark it above the iPad Pro. This tablet offers 4GB or RAM and runs a 64-Bit 2.2GHz Intel Core M processor meaning it's more than capable of running multiple programmes at once.

The Samsung Galaxy TabPro S is a good option for those wanting a relatively high spec tablet without the Apple price tag (although, it's not a budget tablet).

7. Best tablets for CIOs: Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 has snapshot reactions and is described as a Windows 10-focused refinement of the previous-generation Surface Pro 3, in much the same way that Windows 10 keeps Windows 8 in its heart, but tweaks the formula for desktop sensibilities.

Claiming to be 30% faster than its predecessor and 50% faster than Apple's MacBook Air and the lightest, thinnest Surface yet, the Surface Pro 4 with PC-level memory and storage options could be the CIO device of choice.

8. Best tablets for CIOs: Fujitsu Stylistic R726

This tablet is limited to 8GB of RAM but does have an impressive sound system with two audio ports, great for users giving presentations.

Fujitsu Stylistic R726’s processor is not the most powerful but does come with a 1920 x 1080 screen resolution and also supports vPro with optional 4G/LTE setup. What’s more, it boasts a detachable keyboard, great for flexibility and collaborating on tasks.

9. Best tablets for CIOs: Chuwi Hi10 Pro

The Chuwi Hi10 Pro, should definitely be considered a budget tablet. However, this tablet does come packed with useful features and a pretty impressive spec to match.

The Chuwi Hi10 Pro runs the 1.44GHz Intel Atom X5 (Cherry Trail) Z8300 chip with 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 64GB of flash storage. So while this is not the most powerful hardware combination, for web browsing, social media and emails it’s a great choice.

10. Best tablets for CIOs: HP Elite x2 1012 G1

The HP Elite x2 1012 G1 is an impressive tablet with a responsive trackpad, backlit keyboard and stylus pen, great for carrying out business related tasks and for personal use.

This tablet does have a short battery life compared to others reviewed but has a functional keyboard and touchpad capabilities. What’s more, it offers security features great for backing up data, preventing information loss and password theft.

11. Best tablets for CIOs: iPad Air 2

The iPad Air 2 is a great choice for those familiar with the Apple OS, offering users 3GB of RAM, 16GB or 64GB of internal storage and like the new iPad Pro, a 9.7-inch screen.

It's rumoured that Apple could be announcing a new iPad at the end of October, so if you're thinking of purchasing one, it might be worth waiting to get the latest model.

12. Best tablets for CIOs: Google Pixel C

This tablet boasts a functional keyboard, great screen display and should not be overlooked for battery life.

The Google Pixel C is limited to 3GB of memory but does have 64GB of storage and easy to use touchscreen capabilities. Although not a traditional Windows it does offer user’s Chrome OS. What’s more, it’s extremely lightweight and has a slick design great for users working remotely and on trips abroad.

13. Best tablets for CIOs: Google Nexus 9

The google Nexus 9 is a solid option for CIOs and executive users. It comes with 2GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of internal storage and an optional 4G LTE setup. Its closest rival is the Samsung TabPro but with Apple's pricing the iPad Air 2 in a similar bracket any of these would be a good choice for any CIO.

If you can put up with a smaller screen, the Samsung TabPro might be a better option as it has better screen quality, but equally this Nexus tablet should not be overlooked for overall performance.

14. Best tablets for CIOs: Dell Venue 8 7000

This Dell tablet is extremely lightweight and svelte housing an Intel Atom processor, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage which should be enough for on the go quick business-related tasks and personal use. The battery life and performance is good and the great design and streamlined feel is a huge selling point.

15. Best tablets for CIOs: Pixel C

Google's Pixel C Android convertible tablet and laptop is an extremely capable, fast and impressive, but loses out on design in favour of raw power. Boasting a strong and uncomplicated magnetic keyboard transitioning from laptop to tablet shouldn't be an issue.

This tablet is a powerhouse, it's the first tablet to use use the Nvidia Tegra X1 chip, which runs at 1.9GHz and has 3GB of RAM. However, if you run a lot of Windows apps, you might want to consider the Surface 3, which as it happens, is slightly cheaper.

16. Best tablets for CIOs: Nvidia Shield Tablet

The Nvidia Shield Tablet has excellent screen quality, a powerful processor and is nifty with an 8-inch screen, great for those who can work on a small screen.

The screen brightness is not the greatest but does offer a microSD card slot which can hold an impressive 128GB of storage.

17. Best tablets for CIOs: Microsoft Surface Pro 3

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is undoubtedly a tablet with laptop power and while it may be feeling inadequate with the announcement of the Surface Pro 4, you should be able to expect some pretty large discounts, making it a cost-effective option for a competent machine for the CIO, the C-suite and their direct reports.

18. Best tablets for CIOs: Asus Transformer Book Chi

While not the newest tablet in the list, the Asus Transformer Book Chi is a great choice for CIOs wanting a solid tablet at a reasonable price.

This Asus laptop has an Intel Core TM processor, Windows 10, 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. It also features a full Micro USB 3.0 port, micro HDMI port as well as a micro SD card reader for expanded storage.

19. Best tablets for CIOs: Acer Aspire Switch 10

The Acer Aspire Switch 10, is an affordable but capable hybrid tablet, ideal for those wanting both work and play functionality (due to detachable keyboard).

While the design is a bit clunky, this tablet redeems itself with its IPS screen and the multi-mode ability, however, for those wanting impressive specs and power, this tablet might not be for you.

20. Best tablets for CIOs: Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro

While not strictly a tablet, the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro does act like one, able to fold back on itself to create a single screen balancing on its keyboard.

The Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro's lightweight design makes it one of the thinnest Ultrabooks on the market and with 8GB of RAM, this Lenovo gives a fast and responsive performance. Its battery life does fall short. However, with high resolutions, great performance and good looks it's still an excellent choice.

21. Best tablets for CIOs: Xiaomi Mi Pad 2

The Xiaomi Mi Pad 2 is a well-made, stylish tablet with good specs for its mid to low price bracket. It draws a lot of similarities with the iPad mini, and while this may discourage you, for those wanting Apple build quality and a considerably lower price, this tablet could be the one for you.